Banae's Story
Looking Back, The Signs Were There
- Paw licking
- Eating grass
- Mild yeast issues
- Occasional odor
What I Wish I Had Known
When Banae was alive, I thought I was doing everything right.
She had regular veterinary care, a loving home, quality food, and more attention than most dogs could ever hope for. Like many pet parents, I paid attention to the obvious signs of illness. But looking back, there were subtle clues that I didn't fully understand at the time.
Banae would occasionally lick her paws.
She sometimes ate grass.
She dealt with mild yeast issues from time to time.
There was a slight odor that seemed to come and go.
None of these symptoms were severe. None of them felt urgent. They were simply little things that seemed to be part of life.
What I didn't know then was that a dog's gut plays an important role in their overall wellness. The digestive system does much more than process food. It influences nutrient absorption, immune function, and overall health throughout the body.
As humans, many of us understand the importance of supporting our digestive health. We take probiotics, eat foods rich in fiber, and look for ways to maintain a healthy balance in our gut.
Looking back, I wish I had thought about my dog's gut health in the same way.
I can't say whether supporting Banae's gut health earlier would have changed anything. No one can know that. But I do know that I wish I had been more aware of the connection between digestive wellness and overall health.
That's why I believe education matters.
If sharing what I've learned helps even one pet parent ask better questions, pay closer attention to subtle signs, or learn more about their dog's wellness, then Banae's story continues to make a difference.
Why Wellhaven Exists
Wellhaven Collective was inspired by a little Yorkshire Terrier named Banae.
For twelve years, she was my constant companion, my shadow, and a beloved member of our family. Like many dog owners, I believed that if I loved her well, cared for her, and provided good veterinary care, I was doing everything possible to help her live a long and healthy life.
When Banae later developed intestinal disease, I found myself looking back over the years and wondering if there were things I had missed.
That journey led me to learn more about canine wellness, nutrition, and the important role the gut plays in overall health.
The more I learned, the more I realized that many pet parents simply don't know where to start. We all want the best for our dogs, but the world of pet health can be confusing, overwhelming, and filled with conflicting information.
That's why I created Wellhaven Collective.
Not because I have all the answers.
Not because I believe there's a magic solution.
But because I wanted to create the kind of company I wish I had found years ago—one that encourages pet parents to learn, ask questions, and support their dogs' wellness proactively.
Everything we do is guided by one simple mission:
To help pet parents provide thoughtful, everyday wellness support for the dogs they love.
Banae may be gone, but her story lives on through Wellhaven Collective.
Every product we create, every article we share, and every conversation we have is inspired by the little Yorkie who taught me that sometimes the smallest signs deserve our attention.
❤️ In memory of Banae
Founder Inspiration for Wellhaven Collective
Becky